Page 88 of Claim

He jumps forward and gently takes the food from between my fingers and munches it.

“Paw.” I hold out my palm and his heavy front foot thumps into my hand.

“Good boy, Hades.”

He takes the treats and I stroke the top of his head, scooting around him to finish making my drink.

Hades’ deep bark makes me jump. I look over and he’s pointing at the back door. Stepping behind him, I try to see what he’s barking at.

There’s a quiet knock.

Fuck.

I tiptoe over, ushering Hades with me. He makes me feel safe and protected when Miki isn’t around.

Peering through the latch, I don’t see anything. So I open it with the chain still on.

“Ana. It’s me,” a little voice says.

Galena.

I quickly help her inside.

“Are you okay, sweetie?” I crouch down to her level.

She curls her arms across her belly.

“Mommy is asleep and I kept hearing weird noises, so I got scared. I thought Mikhail might be home to help me,” she sniffles.

I hold out my hands.

“Would you like a hug?”

She nods and shuffles into my embrace.

“Shall we play some games?”

Hades nudges his head against my side, nearly knocking me over.

That makes Galena giggle.

“He’s being naughty, isn’t he?”

“He’s huge.”

“He’s a big softie. Aren’t you Hades?”

I nuzzle my face against his and he licks my jaw.

“Ew!” I laugh, wiping the slobber away.

“He needs a collar. You know, in case he runs away.” She tentatively reaches out to pat his shoulder.

“Oh. Do you want to see something cool?” I stand holding my hand out to her. Her tiny hand slides into mine and I lead her to my room with Hades following closely on our tail. I rummage through the wardrobe and find the little white bag, pulling out the sparkly blue collar I bought for Hades. I was waiting to surprise Miki.

Or, wind him up. He keeps reminding me how Hades is not a family dog but a security dog.

I’m not having it. I’m on a mission.

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